The failure of the major political parties in Bangladesh to take steps to hold free, fair and credible elections is not a good sign, the United States State Department said on Thursday. “As I’ve been clear, they haven’t taken steps to hold free, fair, and credible elections, so clearly that’s not a good sign,” Marie Harf, deputy spokesperson of the State Department, told a questioner at the daily press briefing in Washington. The official, however, would not comment when asked if the US would recognize the results of the January 5 polls, boycotted by many parties, including the main opposition BNP. “I don’t want to prejudge the outcome or what we’ll say afterwards,” she said. When asked if she had anything to say on the ‘house arrest’ of the Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia, the deputy spokesperson said, “I don’t have anything on that. I’m happy to check with our folks.”
Harf reiterated Washington’s disappointment, saying, “We’re disappointed that the major political parties have not yet reached a consensus on a way to hold free, fair, and credible elections.” “Obviously, that’s what we’re encouraging, and we will keep monitoring the situation and engaging as necessary,” she said. The official also said, “We believe it’s more urgent than ever for the major parties to redouble their efforts to engage in constructive dialogue. They need to find a way forward, to hold free and fair elections that are credible.” On the issue of violence, she said, “Violence is not acceptable – never acceptable – because it subverts the democratic process.”
-With The Independent input
